throwing one's weight around
Abusing one's influence
Throwing one's weight around is using one's power, authority, or influence in an aggressive or heavy-handed way.
The image is of a large person physically imposing on others, extended to anyone leveraging their position to dominate: The new manager started throwing his weight around on day one.
Usually disparaging—it suggests bullying rather than legitimate leadership.
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
- alpha maleDominant group leader
- top dogDominant leader
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
throwing elbows · coercion · micromanaging · government authority · pulling rank · resentment · patronizing · arrogance · influence · insecurity · grandstanding · family dynamics · confrontation · posturing · manipulation · entitlement · enforcement · boasting
throwing one's weight aroundkeeping a low profile
Avoiding notice deliberately
servant leadership · treading lightly · self-effacement · staying in one's lane · leading by example
throwing one's weight aroundgoing with the flow
Accepting situations without resistance
taking a back seat · shrinking violet · tiptoeing around · walking on eggshells
throws, thrown, thrower, throwers, weight, weights, weighty, weightier, weightiest